Sport Clips Hero Walk Frequently Asked Questions
WALK INFO
What is a virtual walk?
A virtual walk is a real walk, but on your terms. You get to choose your own course, what time you start and who walks with you! You can walk on your treadmill at home, at a local track, at a park, a greenbelt or the streets in your neighborhood.
Why is the walk virtual?
The health and well-being of our communities remains our top priority and the virtual Help A Hero Walk allows Teams to connect, raise funds and walk together as they choose or walk independently - but all walking together to support the Help A Hero Scholarship program.
Is the virtual walk on a specific day or time?
We encourage all Teams/Walkers to participate in their Help A Hero Walk by Saturday, Dec. 5 at a location and time of your choice. You have the freedom to select the time and date that works best for you and your team.
How long is the walk?
You can choose your own course! Commit to a quarter of a mile or go for a full 5K or more. Select the distance and location that is right for you!
What do I do the day of the walk?
Just walk! It's that simple. If your team committed to a specific location, join with them and share your photos to social media. Don't forget to use the #helpaherowalk hashtag on your posts!
Can my pet participate?
Absolutely. This is a walk on your terms, so bring man's best friend along!
REGISTRATION
Is there a registration fee to participate in the Virtual Walk?
There is no fee, but we are raising funds for the Help A Hero Scholarship program, so a donation of $10 is recommended, but you have the option to choose any dollar amount. And contribution is 100% tax deductible.
Should I register ahead of time?
Yes. The sooner you register, the more time you have to communicate the news about your Virtual Walk and to fundraise. Registering online also gives you access to fundraising tools and keeps you updated on progress.
Can I register multiple individuals with the same email address?
No. Each participant is required to register with a unique email address.
What if I don't want to walk or fundraise and I just want to make a donation?
No problem! If the walk isn't for you, just click on the "Make a Donation" button and you can donate any dollar amount you choose. The donation is 100% tax deductible and goes directly to the Help A Hero program.
CREATING TEAMS
Can I create a team?
Yes, you can start a team and we hope you do. Follow this link to register. Once you complete the registration, click "Confirm and Sign Me Up." It's that easy!
Are teams assigned a team captain?
The first participant to register and create a team is assigned as the team captain. If at any time the team captain needs to change, contact customer support at foundation@vfw.org to reassign the team captain position.
I'm a Sport Clips Team Member? Can I create a team?
Yes! Sport Clips Team Members can create teams for their stores. We recommend assigning one person as the team captain and then naming your team for your store. (Use the Facebook store name to ensure clients can find your Team and so Sport Clips can track any donations collected through your Virtual Walk Team.)
How do I access my team fundraising page?
After you register, you'll receive a confirmation email. Click the "Edit My Page" link in the email. You can set a team goal, share a personal story and upload photos. Tip: Bookmark the page for quick and easy access or hold on to the email so you can revisit the link!
FUNDRAISING
What if someone wants to contribute cash or check donation?
Teams should collect donations online through their team site or suggest donors make their donation online via the Make a Donation tab or by texting "HERO" to 71777.
Do I have to fundraise?
No, however, this is a community fundraising event for the Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship program and we encourage everyone to invite friends, family and coworkers to join in your fundraising efforts for the program.
Is there a fundraising minimum?
There is no minimum! Every dollar collected will help you get to your fundraising goal and will help Sport Clips and the VFW continue to provide needed scholarship for our nation's veterans and service members.
Is there a deadline for fundraising?
You can continue to fundraise through Dec. 10, 2020.
You've taken the first step and registered for the Virtual Help A Hero Walk! Now it's time to start fundraising. We are here to support you and guide you to success.
Fundraising Tips & Tools
Getting Started
- Set a fundraising goal.
- Personalize your fundraising page with a personal story and photos.
- Jump start your fundraising by making a personal donation.
- Form a list of potential donors i.e. friends, family, colleagues.
- Reach out to your contacts through social media, emails, texts, phone calls, etc.
- Form a fundraising army! Join forces with a team to make a larger impact.
- Remember your inspiration! A personal connection always makes it more meaningful.
- Always follow up with a THANK YOU! Your donors are vital to your fundraising success.
Social Media
- Share your fundraising page on Facebook.
- Invite friends and family to support your efforts.
- Get creative with your posts! Share a personal story, video, photos.
- Thank donors for their support.
- Post frequently.
Communication is Key!
Take the opportunity to share your story and why this cause is important to you. Reach out to your contacts through social media, email and text focusing on these key points:
- WHY you are fundraising
- WHO you are walking for
- WHAT your fundraising goal is
- WHEN your fundraising ends
- HOW your fundraising impacts veterans in your communities
FUNDRAISING TOOLS
Facebook Share
One of the most valuable tools for fundraising is social media. Sharing your fundraising page is just a click away!
- Access your fundraising page.
- Click the Facebook icon on the top right corner.
- Your fundraising page will post to your Facebook page.
- Add a personal story using the key points listed above.
- Remember to hashtag #helpaherowalk.
- Click share! It's now linked to your fundraising page.
- Start watching your fundraising thermometer move up!
Text HERO to 71777
All registered fundraisers are assigned their own unique keyword to 71777 as an additional fundraising tool. This is a quick and easy way to link donors to your fundraising page.
How do I find my unique keyword? Access your fundraising page and the keyword will be listed on the top of the page. Now you can invite your contacts to donate or join your team through social media, emails and text.
Message Example:
"Hello friends and family! I'm fundraising for the 2020 Virtual Help A Hero Walk to support veterans in my community. Will you help me reach my goal? Text Hero to 71777. Thank you!"
Email
Create your own email or use the email icon on your fundraising page.
- Access your fundraising page.
- Click the email icon on the top right corner.
- Personalize the email template.
- Share a story, add photos, and get creative!
- Click send!